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ARAB AUTHORITY FOR AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTS UAE'S INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) commended the initiative of the UAE for agricultural innovation to counteract the effects of climate change. This was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai during the virtual “Leaders Summit on Climate” that was organized by the USA recently. The event aimed to support research, development, and innovation in the agricultural sector and food systems over the next five years in order to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and adapt to it.

H.E. Mohammed Al Mazrooei, President, AAAID, stated his great pride in the initiative of Sheikh Mohammed regarding agricultural innovation amid climate change. Al Mazrooei also affirmed that AAAID highly values the initiative and confirms their support and encouragement to achieve the initiative’s goals. A number of developed countries have announced their acceptance and support, such as the USA, UK, Denmark, among others.

Al Mazrooei added that the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development is the only joint Arab financial institution that has been working in the field of investment and agricultural development for 44 years and works directly with small farmers and producers in the rural areas of Arab countries. This is due to the belief that while the effects of climate change are destructive for the entire planet, it is experienced

ALMUNAJEM FOODS JEDDAH’S MEAT FACTORY ADDS 60% MORE PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN A BOOST TO SATISFY DEMAND

Almunajem Foods (the “Company”), one of the largest private food companies in Saudi Arabia, announced the expansion of its meat processing factory in Jeddah to keep pace with increasing demand for its products and to localize the production of some of its imported products. The facility’s extension is already underway and is due to start production in July 2021.

The meat processing factory was first established in 1992 and produces a variety of meat and poultry products under the Company’s owned brands “Habra” and “Al Anaam Al Saudia” and thereafter “Dari” was also added. The expansion will increase total production capacity by 60% to over 11,000 metric tons (MT) as well as doubling poultry products capacity. The meat factory expansion will also localize the production of the international poultry brand “Doux”, a global market leader for poultry products.

Eng. Thamer Bin Abdulaziz Abanumay, Chief Executive Officer at Almunajem Foods, said: “As a leading Saudi household name with extensive experience accumulated over seven decades, we are committed to providing high quality food products to millions of families across the kingdom. With the expansion of the meat factory, we are expanding our local meat production to enable us to meet the high domestic demand, while diversifying and introducing a range of new poultry products.”

The Company’s business commenced in 1950 in the importation, marketing, and distribution of leading brands of frozen, chilled and dry foodstuff. Currently the size of its imports is more than 250,000 MT per year made up of over 700 SKUs imported from over 60 international wellknown food producers. Almunajem Foods serves over 22,000 customer outlets including retail, food services and wholesale channels. To provide the best service to its customers, the Company has a fleet of over 1,000 specialized trucks to deliver the goods in addition to 12 temperaturecontrolled warehouses across the kingdom that has a combined storage capacity of 55,000 MT.

It is worth noting that the Company has recently altered its name from Almunajem Cold Stores Company to Almunajem Foods and has refreshed its logo, in line with the Company’s future ambitions.

more heavily in the rural population in the Arab countries.

The use of modern technologies has led farmers to increase production and productivity. This was demonstrated by changing the agricultural pattern from traditional to modern, and by optimally employing resources related to the agricultural sector such as land, water, and others. Above all, this is best seen in the use of modern technologies to support farmers by enhancing their capabilities and competences, thus expanding the area of arable land, and increasing production, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This was done in a systematic manner, according to thoughtful financing programs.

Currently, AAAID is seeking to develop a strategy for agricultural innovation, which will be based on studies and research, as inspired by the UAE initiative through the cooperation and coordination of the public and private sectors in the same field. This initiative will be based on its reliance on innovation, and research and development in all aspects of the agricultural and food production sector. Moreover, this will see the adoption of modern technologies and innovative practices in AAAID’s projects and investment programs, which will be expanded as AAAID contributes to 55 companies and agricultural projects throughout the Arab world.

The initiative comes in line with its aspiration to increase its projects and programs in the rest of the Arab countries, targeting more geographical and sectoral diversity in preparation for promoting and achieving Arab food security. This is in cooperation with Arab countries in particular, as well as other countries and international organizations, to reach their goals for the contentment and well-being of both the Arab and the global population.

39TH EDITION OF SAUDI AGRICULTURE TO BE HELD IN RIYADH

"Most leading nations around the world are still facing challenges but aiming for a post covid recovery by the fall of this year, that is why we planned the 39th Edition of Saudi Agriculture from 18th to

MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT LEVERAGES CAPABILITIES OF ALTERNATIVE SERVICE RECRUITS IN SMART AGRICULTURE

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) announced that it is executing a research project on the use of AI in modern agriculture with the help of alternative service recruits.

MOCCAE made the announcement during a visit by Pilot Staff Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority, and His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, to the project site at the Ministry’s Agricultural Research Center in Dibba.

The project aligns with MOCCAE’s strategy to enhance the UAE’s food security through the adoption of the latest technologies as well as youth engagement.

Pilot Staff Major General Al Nahyan said: “The National and Reserve Service Authority aims to reinforce patriotism and national identity among young Emiratis through equipping them with the right set of skills to defend the country first and foremost, and to support social work through the alternative service. The project launched by MOCCAE will help set our young recruits on the right track to become future entrepreneurs and continue to serve the community well after they complete their service.”

His Excellency Dr Al Nuaimi said: “The joint project between MOCCAE and the National and Reserve Service Authority is a prime example of capitalizing on the capabilities of our young people and helping them acquire the skills to venture into entrepreneurship and actively participate in building a brighter future for our country.”

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21st October, 2021, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition. We will keep a close eye on post covid developments in the Kingdom and clients’ countries and collect feedback from industry professionals from around the world to ensure everything is as our clients want and need", says Alaa Abou Ghanem, Project Manager at Saudi Agriculture.

Pent-up demand is expected to drive sharpest rise in activity since lockdowns. The Kingdom has widespread opportunities in agriculture projects. On 30 March 2021, the Kingdom announced “shareek Program” a new multi trillion US dollar investment expansion initiative that calls for a major Public Private Partnership (PPP) with domestic market leaders and local investors to accelerate a post-Covid robust and sustained multi-year recovery. This new policy is expected to create a multi-billion US$ expansion of opportunities affecting multiple segments of the Agriculture Sector.

As usual the show will also offer a showcase for latest innovations in agriculture technologies and solutions. The show’s success has been maintained all these decades, because of the high quality of the trade visitors it attracts. " We will maintain close engagement with our valued: Farm owners, farmers, agriculture engineers, Distributors, Trade Buyers and Retailers, Contractors, Project Owners, and Investors, as well as policy makers and government officials seeking that their staff adopt latest technologies and solutions." he continued.

EMIRATES MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP AND PROCTER & GAMBLE LAUNCH THE P&G DUBAI MANGROVE FOREST

Procter & Gamble (P&G) accelerates its commitment to sustainability by unveiling P&G’s Dubai Mangrove Forest project planted by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) during a sunset inauguration ceremony. The mangrove forest planted in the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary marks a decisive action towards earth restoration by creation of a Forest in the desert coastline of the UAE.

Located on the Dubai coastline, the P&G Dubai Mangrove Forest itself will be set in an area comprising of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and a natural beach. The sanctuary selected for the Forest is a place of global significance, a United Nations protected reserve that is being managed by EMEG and has been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The initiative is in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that maps out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development in the city.

Major Ali Al Suweidi, President of EMEG, commented, “We are delighted to be announcing this unique initiative together with P&G and EcoMatcher. Nature alone can help us solve up to one-third of climate change. The aim of the Dubai Mangrove Forest is to help balance out Dubai’s cosmopolitan impact in agreement with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand green spaces focused on enhancing the population’s well-being. Dubai Mangrove Forest will not only be used for foresting but also for animal rescue and species preservation.”

Accelerating its commitment to environmental sustainability is a critical component of the P&G's growth strategy and its focus on innovation to improve consumers' lives. The company has aims to commit 2,021 acts of good this year – inspiring people to take action and spread kindness. The campaign builds on P&G’s support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through Lead With Love, an ongoing campaign that touches on issue areas like community impact and environmental sustainability.

SADARAH PARTNERS WITH IFARM TO ADVANCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE VERTICAL FARMING IN QATAR

Sadarah (Qatar), owner of Agrico Organic Farm, and iFarm, a Finlandheadquartered AgTech company with operations in Russia, Europe and globally, joined forces to build and collaboratively manage a commercial-scale indoor farm based on iFarm’s latest vertical farming technology in the State of Qatar. The multiyear partnership will optimize the growing of leafy greens, strawberries, and edible flowers and help ensure a steady year-round supply of fresh produce to the tables of Qatari people.

“This partnership brings one of the world’s most advanced vertical farming technologies to our country. Combining Agrico and iFarm’s capability will deliver consumers even more of the freshest produce on the same day,” said Mr Ahmed Hussain Al-Khalaf, Chairman of Sadarah/Agrico. “Strawberries and most lettuce varieties are now 100% imported and in many cases of a low quality and lacking freshness. Once the development is ready we will jointly be delivering the freshest strawberries and lettuces available anywhere in the world.”

The first phase of SadarahiFarm partnership involves developing a commercial trial farm at Sadarah’s Agrico Farm in Al Khor, Qatar. This will be the first deployment in the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council of an AI managed vertical farm that uses drones to monitor crop health and manage yields. Thus, combining Agrico's know-how and technology for farming in arid environments with iFarm’s state-of-the-art vertical farming solution will enable to improve the quality of crops and to maximize the yield in one of the world’s harshest environments.

The second phase of the joint project entails commercial distribution of the produce to the local Qatar market and the expansion of the vertical farming technology to other farms in Qatar and its regional neighbours.

Both Sadarah and iFarm are focused on delivering the most flavourful, nutritious, fresh leafy greens, strawberries and edible flowers at any time throughout the year. The partnership will also help Qatar reduce its heavy reliance on food imports and bring the country closer to achieving the goal of reaching a 70% selfsufficiency in food production

by 2023, as outlined in Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy.

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022: BACK TO BUSINESS IN PERSON

FRUIT LOGISTICA, the world's largest venue for produce sellers, will be held in person from 9 to 11 February 2022. "We asked our exhibitors, and most of them want FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 to be a physical event here in Berlin. We will do our best to meet our customers' expectations," says Madlen Miserius, Senior Product Manager at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "The world is on the right track to coming out of this pandemic. Global vaccination efforts are making great strides, and the hard lockdowns are finally showing their effectiveness. The decreasing infection rates make us hopeful that we can invite the world to come to Berlin in February."

Proof of vaccination or negative test results from the respective day make it possible to travel, stay at hotels, visit restaurants and take part in trade shows. Event-based hygiene concepts also provide additional safety.

FEED ADDITIVE COMBINATIONS COULD BE SOLUTION FOR WOODEN BREAST

A concern for poultry producers globally, wooden breast is a degenerative condition affecting chicken breasts that ultimately impacts meat quality and can cost the industry millions each year. New research from Novus International, Inc. recently published in Frontiers in Physiology explains how combinations of feed additives can impact this financially damaging myopathy.

Strategies to reduce wooden breast do exist; these are broadly growth-rate-related and antioxidantbased approaches. The results from these methods vary and sometimes can impact performance such as growth rate, slaughter weight, and breast yield. However, an ideal solution is one that offers repeatable success in reducing incidence of wooden breast without sacrificing performance in broiler birds.

The study, led by Novus Research Scientist Dr. Vivek Kuttappan, evaluated the effect of various dietary interventions on the incidence of wooden breast, particularly when birds are exposed to oxidative stress.

“Although the exact reason is unclear, it’s well-known that incidence of wooden breast is associated with oxidative stress in broiler birds,” Kuttappan said. “So, we wanted to see if combinations of feed additives such as highly bioavailable sources of trace minerals and dietary antioxidants that address tissue oxidative stress could make an impact.”

Poor quality fat or heat stress can instigate oxidative stress in animals, potentially leading to conditions such as wooden breast. Knowing that, Novus researchers took birds experiencing oxidative stress associated with feeding oxidized fat and heat stress and evaluated how Novus’s MINTREX® trace minerals (zinc, copper and manganese), which are marketed for their bioavailability, along with or without a dietary antioxidant and organic selenium impacted the meat quality.

In the study, birds fed a diet with oxidized fat, a combination of MINTREX® Zn, MINTREX® Cu, and MINTREX® Mn, along with a dietary antioxidant showed reduced oxidative stress in muscle tissue and significantly increased normal/wooden-breastfree fillets by 22% (33% vs 11% when compared to control birds). Where heat stress was concerned, adding MINTREX® trace minerals alone to the diet showed significant increases (13%) in the incidence of normal fillets (21% vs 8% when compared to control birds), and reduced other poultry carcass quality defects such as tibial head lesions, skin scratches, and breast blisters. Researchers observed a higher magnitude of increase in normal fillets (38% vs. 8% compared to control birds), when MINTREX® was combined with the antioxidant and organic selenium.

“The combination of MINTREX® trace minerals, organic selenium, and dietary antioxidants resulted in the effective reduction of wooden breast severity, plausibly through the reduction of oxidative stress in tissue,” Kuttappan said. “This may be due to the activation of various endogenous antioxidant enzymes and reducing dietary sources of oxidative stress.”

This means that new and old business partners will finally be able to meet in person once more.

At no other industry event in the world can people and companies involved in the fresh produce industry discover and compare so many options in one place. This is a clear selling point for Bianca Bonifacio, Internationalization & Exhibitions Manager at CSO Italy: "We're looking forward to trade show business picking up again. We attend many trade shows, but FRUIT LOGISTICA is the largest and most important for us."

Exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 can register online until 31 July 2021. The FRUIT LOGISTICA team in Berlin, or one of Messe Berlin's foreign representatives in 150 countries around the world, can also provide assistance.

PRIVA AND VIESSMANN JOIN FORCES TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMART BUILDING AND GREEN TECH SOLUTIONS

The Viessmann Group (“Viessmann”), a leading international provider of climate solutions for residential and commercial environments, and Priva Group (“Priva”), a climate and process control Technology Company in the Netherlands, join forces in a strategic family partnership.

Both companies see great potential and opportunities for global synergies in serving customers together through an unprecedented combined techdriven solution offering – from commercial building owners and operators to smart district and city solutions, adapting the climate and energy predictively to users’ needs.

To underline the long-term nature of this partnership, Viessmann has acquired a minority interest in Priva. This allows Priva to accelerate its innovative technology agenda and international growth, yet remain an independent family business. Viessmann can rapidly develop its climate solutions for commercial buildings and explore

The secret of fertile soils

horticultural environment business opportunities.

In addition to their similar family business culture, Viessmann and Priva share a vision of how their solutions can make a profound and pragmatic impact on the current climate crisis and change the world for the better.

Both companies believe that partnerships, networks and smart ecosystems are crucial in providing the range and breadth of solutions needed to address the important issues of global warming, energy transition and food security in the world.

GROW PRO GENETICS ACQUIRES SYNGENTA’S AGRIPRO SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT BREEDING PROGRAM

Grow Pro Genetics, headquartered out of Bourbonnais, IL, has recently announced the acquisition of the AgriPro Soft Red Winter Wheat breeding program – previously owned by Syngenta.

Grow Pro Genetics is a developer of soft red winter wheat genetics – providing a critical input to wheat farmers. The business was launched in July 2020 and offers a new and independent spin on a legacy seed brand. With two locations – the central business office in Bourbonnais, IL and

INFARM HERALDS THE NEXT GENERATION OF CLOUD-ENABLED FARMING

Infarm, the world’s fastest-growing urban farming company already available in 10 countries and 30 cities in thousands of stores, continued the rollout of its vision for a global interconnected, sustainable and highly efficient farming ecosystem.

As part of its goal to drive innovation within the USD 3 trillion global fruit and vegetable market, Infarm introduced its new highcapacity, automated, modular Growing Center - a local farm and distribution center in one, that can generate the crop-equivalent of up to 10,000 m2 of farmland, with up to 400 times higher efficient food production than soil-based agriculture.

The cloud-connected, high-yield growing centers join Infarm’s expanding global network of selflearning farms that improve plant yield, taste, and nutritional value constantly, while further reducing the use of natural resources. With 50,000 m2 of farming facilities and hundreds of farms in stores locations, Infarm is already providing fresh produce to 50% of the world’s largest food retailers. The rapid deployment capability of the new high-yield Growing Centers will drive additional global growth and scalability to match the needs of retailers of any size in any location, with the goal of growing the network to 500,000 m2 by 2025.

A Growing Center is comprised of dozens of modular farming units, each standing between 10 and 18 meters high, occupying a 25 m2 ground footprint and requiring just six weeks to build, yielding the cropequivalent of 10,000 m2 of farmland. This modular, datadriven, and distributed approach — a combination of big data, IoT, and cloud analytics, in addition to rapid growth at a global scale — sets Infarm apart from any other farming solution. The large-scale Infarm Growing Centers integrate farming units that can each save up to 10,000,000 liters of water per year, compared to soil-based agriculture for similar crops, while contributing up to 40% energy savings over previous Infarm technologies.

Additional features of the new Infarm technology: • An automated mechanical farming system that is cloud controlled; • Environmental settings like CO2, temperature, light, pH and growth cycles can be set, monitored, analyzed online across all farms; • Recirculates 20 liters of water condensation per hour and, saving more than up to 10,000,000 liters of water per year compared to soilbased agriculture for similar crops; • Smart LED management supports energy efficiency offering contributes up to 40% energy savings & up to 25% savings on initial investment.

Infarm uses 95% less water, 90% less transport and zero chemical pesticide than soil-based agriculture with the majority of electricity use throughout the Infarm network coming from renewable energy. To date, the Infarm network has saved more than 40,000,000 liters of water and 50,000 square meters of land.

the primary research and development facility in Hamel, IL – the team at Grow Pro Genetics is able to develop and maintain a wide range of plant breeding activity – including varietal selection, processing, packing and testing of wheat genetics. They can offer unique features and advantages to farmers, retailers and seed companies with their two key routes to market: AgriPro branded business and private label licensing.

The AgriPro soft red winter wheat breeding program – a legacy program which was first established in 1914 – has continued to grow and evolve alongside its farmers, and now offers a blend of traditional plant breeding combined with advanced seed technology. This new venture allows Grow Pro Genetics to provide a critical input to wheat farmers.

“Ken and Allen have the experience and passion to lead the wheat program to new highs,” says Paul Morano, Head of Cereals at Syngenta.

The Grow Pro Genetics company and team was formed by a group of seed growers and investors who are passionate about soft red winter wheat and helping growers. The unique acquisition and smooth transition from Syngenta to Grow Pro Genetics represents an exclusive opportunity for both organizations to focus on delivering increased value to their customers and growers.

The sale of the program included soft wheat breeding germplasm along with the designation of Grow Pro Genetics as the exclusive supplier of AgriPro branded wheat in the soft wheat class.

AVIAGEN LAUNCHES NEW 2021 GLOBAL PARENT STOCK NUTRITION SPECIFICATIONS

Aviagen® recently rolled out the 2021 Global Parent Stock (PS) Nutrition Specifications for the Arbor Acres®, Indian River® and Ross® brands. These specifications detail the optimal nutrient balance (including amino acids, energy, vitamins and minerals) applicable through the life of a flock.

The genetic potential for bird performance, health and welfare is continually advancing; this is reflected in the recently updated PS Performance Objectives. Aviagen advises customers to use the Nutrition Specification in conjunction with the PS Performance Objectives and PS Management Handbook for the relevant brand.

Developed by Aviagen nutritionists who understand the field application of the Specifications, the new nutritional strategy will enable the latest Performance Objectives to be reached in a holistic, balanced way that simultaneously promotes reproductive performance, optimal early development, chick quality, livability and other aspects of bird health and well-being.

“Aviagen is committed to helping our customers further strengthen the outstanding performance, health and welfare of their flocks. As we continue to increase the inherent potential of our birds, optimizing nutrition becomes more and more important, and our goal for the new nutrition advice is to provide customers with the knowledge to do so,” explained Marcelo Silva, Head of Global Nutrition.

EVONIK DEVELOPS SYSTEM SOLUTIONS FOR THE GUT HEALTH OF POULTRY

Evonik has developed sciencebased system solutions for the gut health of broiler chickens & laying hens. This integrated approach makes it possible to keep animals healthy without the use of antibiotics, and to produce meat and eggs in a sustainable and economically profitable manner.

Evonik’s new system solutions for gut health include a tailored combination of its feeding concepts, amino acids, probiotics, services and consulting, depending on the individual needs and challenges of the customer. The approach means the customer receives better economic, animal welfare and sustainability results whatever their circumstances.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE KISSABEL® APPLE HARVEST ENDS WITH POSITIVE FIGURES

The Southern Hemisphere Kissabel® apple harvest was completed recently. Excellent internal colour, average sizes and outstanding quality: this sums up the coloured-flesh apples harvested by the partner growers in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. Following on from the positive Northern Hemisphere campaign last autumn, this result confirms the Kissabel® variety’s excellent prospects.

One of the most enthusiastic reports is from Australia, where Rowan Little, General Manager of Montague, explains: “In general, this season’s harvest has been one of the best of recent years, thanks to a cooler-than-normal summer and above-average rainfall, factors which produced high quality, goodsized fruit. Kissabel® has been no exception. At our new Bill’s Orchard Gate store, not far from Melbourne, we tested the new apples with the local community and organised orchard tours. Feedback was positive in all areas: people were enthusiastic about the coloured internal flesh. We’re also organising an intensive marketing campaign: we’ve produced consumer information material, with a real educational campaign in our store, free packs for the media and customers, and professional photographs for use on the social media networks.”

In South Africa, flowering was later due to the cooler weather, leading to unexpected production peaks.

“Overall, this year flowering was almost a couple of weeks later than the previous year, so cropping was also postponed,” Tanith Freeman, Product Development Manager of Dutoit (South Africa), informed us. “However, the later varieties were on schedule, so we found ourselves facing production peaks. In fact, the ripening period varies across cultivars. In South Africa, the red-skin varieties are best suited to the terrain, while the yellow or orange-skin cultivars tend to ripen more quickly. We’re still in a pre-commercial phase for these new varieties, but we believe the prospects are excellent, and we’re actually planning sales tests in Western Cape province. This will give us important pointers to the potential clientele.”

The production season has also come to an end in New Zealand, Chile and Argentina, where the Kissabel® cultivation trials are promising.

"The challenges for farmers in increasing productivity while maintaining healthy animals are manifold and can only be overcome with comprehensive solutions," says Dr. Torben Madsen, head of the Sustainable Healthy Nutrition product line at Evonik. "Our new gut health system solutions provide the basis for solving those challenges".

The intestinal microbiota, i.e., the totality of microorganisms in the digestive system, is at the center of the solution. Maintaining its sensitive balance depends on various factors. Among these, feeding is an important aspect that can stabilize or unbalance the microbiota. Ultimately, antibiotics or pathogens have an immediate effect on the microbiota. As a result, morphological and functional changes occur in the gut which negatively affect digestion and thus nutrient absorption. This leads to reduced animal growth or even increased mortality. "It is important to understand these complex gut systems and target them individually

MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LAUNCHES FOOD TECH VALLEY

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the ‘Food Tech Valley’ a new initiative that seeks to triple the UAE’s food production.

The launch was attended by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; HE Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; HE Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food and Water Security; HE Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; and HE Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl Asset Management Group. The initiative aims to create an integrated modern city that will serve as a hub for future clean techbased food and agricultural products and an incubator for researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and industry experts involved in developing solutions that have the potential to shape the future of the food industry. The new city will spearhead innovation and leverage collaborative networks to lead regional transformation and export knowledge on sustainable food systems globally. It will support the use of technologies and applied research in food processing and agriculture and apply modern farming techniques – such as vertical farming, aquaculture and hydroponics - to accelerate selfsufficiency in fresh food produce and reduce wastage of resources.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Food Tech Valley is part of a series of projects that aim to sustain the UAE’s food, water and agricultural systems in line with the National Food Security Strategy. Food and medicine represent strategic sectors that help us ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the next generation.”

Food Tech Valley is the outcome of a partnership between the Ministry of Food and Water Security and Wasl Properties to explore urban planning of future smart and food independent cities. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, Food Tech Valley aims to achieve the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and support a diversified knowledge-based economy.

with the right solutions," says Dr. Xu Wang, product manager for Gut Health Solutions at Evonik Animal Nutrition. "Our products and services make a significant contribution to this and we are more than happy to introduce our customers to our system solutions".

AGTHIA GROUP COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF LEADING PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCER NABIL FOODS

Agthia Group PJSC, the leading food and beverages company, recently announced that its shareholders had approved the acquisition of a majority stake in leading regional processed meat producer Nabil Foods, after receiving the required regulatory approvals.

The acquisition marks Agthia’s first entry into the processed protein industry through a well-established brand with distribution in more than 20 local and international markets, and a successful track record of over 75 years. It also expands Agthia’s overall category portfolio, adding processed protein to its existing dates, bottled water, convenience food, flour and animal feed businesses.

Agthia will now have an established presence in Jordan for the first time, allowing for significant cross-selling opportunities. The group will quickly benefit from new revenue streams, cost and revenue synergy opportunities, wider regional and channel expertise, expanded product offerings, and enhanced financial performance and profitability.

Building on the acquisition of Nabil Foods, Agthia’s Board of Directors recently approved the strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Atyab, a prestigious Egyptian producer of frozen processed chicken and beef products, that will further strengthen Agthia’s presence within the processed protein category.

MOBA AUTOPACK: OPTIMIZING YOUR BUSINESS WITH MOBA ROBOTICS

Moba equipment is packed with technology. With over 600 robotics installations worldwide, Moba has an excellent track record in automation.

Autopack is all automation that is used in the egg industry to automatically handle eggs in trays, consumer packs, cases and pallets. Basically, it is all of the peripheral equipment around an egg grading machine, as egg graders are becoming more and more an integral part of a complete solution. As the leading manufacturer in the egg industry, Moba envisioned this a long time ago and therefore evolved from a machine builder to a solution provider. Adding automation to your plant has many benefits. You will reduce labor costs significantly and require less staff as robotics take over human tasks. A great solution as it has become increasingly difficult for companies in some countries to find staff. Plus your employees are relieved of physically demanding work. You can also increase capacity and efficiency by adding robotics to your business. And food safety is also improved: fewer tasks requiring human handling means fewer contamination risks while also reducing operator errors. Moba offers a large range of egg packing machines that perform a single task and egg packing equipment that performs a series of tasks and facilitates the egg packing process from A to Z. Every egg producer or packing station has its portfolio of products and packages, as well as the logistics surrounding these products. For that reason, we developed several flexible modules to create a total solution for every unique situation.

By introducing the MR-series, Moba offers various solutions for your egg packing operation. With this series of Robotics—and additional peripheral equipment like top lidders or additional functions such as case labeling—Moba can build a complete, seamlessly integrated system, perfectly tailored to each customer. All Autopack modules are part of one technical family which ensures high standards of integration and sharing connections, resulting in total traceability throughout the production chain. By adding Moba Robotics, you will achieve maximum efficiency and deliver products with the highest standard of food safety.